The study results suggest that a plasmalogen supplement may reduce cognitive decline and help people maintain mobility. Plasmalogens are a type of lipid found in human cell membranes.
They play a role in many critical cellular functions, including membrane fusion, vesicle formation and oxidation-reduction. Plasmalogens are made in the liver and can decrease with age due to oxidative stress and inflammation.
Benefits
Our cell membranes are made up of a double layer of lipids (fat molecules with hydrophobic parts facing inward and hydrophilic parts facing out). Lipids play a crucial role in our cells, as they help regulate metabolism, transport hormones and neurotransmitters, and keep the body healthy. Plasmalogens are a group of lipids that make up the phospholipid bilayer and play an important role in brain function. They help to ensure that synaptic connections between neurons are properly formed and that the chemical signaling within the brain is working well. Plasmalogens also prevent oxidative stress and inhibit inflammation-mediated white matter loss.
Plasmalogens are produced in the liver and found in high concentrations in the brain and heart. However, levels drop dramatically after the age of 60. Scientific studies have shown that low plasmalogens are associated with a variety of neurological disorders including dementia, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis. They are also a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have now developed a test to measure plasmalogen levels and a supplement that can restore them. This new tool could be used to identify those who are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia and to target them with appropriate supplements before they start to show signs. It is particularly useful for those with the APOE4 gene, which has been linked to a greater chance of developing the condition.
The team at Prodrome Sciences has formulated an absorbable plasmalogen precursor with DHA, which allows for gradual replenishment of the membranes in the brain and reduces the inflammation associated with aging. The company is currently conducting a clinical study to determine the optimal dosing, tolerability and improvement in biochemical markers and cognition in those at early stages of cognitive decline.
The patented plasmalogen precursor combines oleic acid, an essential monounsaturated fat found in olive oil, with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oils. This combination improves the stability of the lipid bilayer and promotes the fluidity required for synaptic connections to form and communicate properly. It also prevents oxidative stress by reducing the levels of free radicals that damage cellular structures and cause apoptosis.
Sources
Plasmalogens are membrane glycerophospholipids that have diverse biological functions. They are significantly reduced in metabolic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and depression, and increasing their levels might help ameliorate these conditions. Shark liver oil (SLO) is a rich source of alkylglycerols that can be metabolized to plasmalogens. A recent randomized controlled trial assessed the effect of SLO supplementation on endogenous plasmalogens in individuals with features of metabolic disease.
The human body makes a lot of plasmalogens but also consumes them, so it needs to be able to replenish its supply. When this doesn’t happen, it can lead to a variety of diseases, including neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Research shows that plasmalogens are low in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients. They’re also deficient in people with pancreatic cancer, heart disease and inflammatory conditions.
There’s a solution to this problem: Taking plasmalogen supplements! Plasmalogens are a type of phospholipid that improves brain function and focus, reduces brain fog, and helps with memory. They’re also known as phosphatidylethanolamines or PPEs, and they’re essential for maintaining normal cell structure and function.
They’re found in the brain and nervous system, where they help regulate the release of neurotransmitters and are involved in cognitive function. They can also protect the body from inflammation and have anti-aging properties. Plasmalogens are also an important part of the lipid bilayer in cell membranes, where they provide a strong barrier to free radicals.
Scientists are currently working on ways to increase the production of plasmalogens in the body. One way is to eat a Mediterranean diet, which is high in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts and seeds, fish, and olive oil. This is a healthy eating plan that’s recommended by many experts, and it can improve your memory and overall health.
Another way to boost plasmalogen production is by consuming products that contain a natural precursor called DHA-AAG. This is a synthetic alkyl-acylglycerol backbone with DHA covalently bound at the sn-2 position. It bypasses the obligate rate-limiting peroxisomal enzymes required for endogenous plasmalogen biosynthesis and is rapidly converted into vinyl ether plasmalogens in vivo.
Dosage
Plasmalogens are a class of phospholipids found in high concentrations in the brain and heart. They play a critical role in many cellular functions, including cholesterol transport, vesicular fusion, and lipid rafts. Plasmalogen deficiency has been associated with a wide range of pathologies, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Plasmalogen precursor supplementation has been shown to be safe and efficacious in preclinical studies.
In November 2019, we began a human clinical trial of our DHA-AAG plasmalogen precursor with six adults who had cognitive decline due to aging. Our study protocol is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of our ProdromeNeuro Plasmalogen Precursor Treatment in improving cognition in individuals with age-related cognitive decline. This trial is the first targeted plasmalogen precursor therapy to be evaluated in humans.
A review of the research on plasmalogens reveals that they have antioxidant properties, protect against oxidative stress, and support optimal brain health. In addition, they have been shown to help break down amyloid plaque, a major cause of alzheimers.
The exact cause of aging remains mysterious, but scientists might be getting closer to unlocking the secret to longevity. The key might be in the plasmalogens, which can be found in several different foods, such as pork, beef, chicken, fish and seafood. Plasmalogens are also known to be important for brain function, and a recent study suggests that they may reduce the occurrence of dementia and other neurological disorders as we age.
We’re excited to report that our Plasmalogen Trial is now recruiting participants! The study will be evaluating whether our supplement is able to improve memory and focus in people with dementia. If you’re interested in participating, please contact us or visit our website for more information. We’ll provide you with more details on the study design and protocol. We’ll also provide you with a link to sign up for our newsletter and to learn more about how you can get involved in our ongoing studies.
Side Effects
Several scientific studies have demonstrated that plasmalogen supplements can improve brain function, increase memory and reduce cognitive decline with age. They are made from the phospholipids found in high concentrations in the brain and heart. These lipids are critical membrane components that regulate neurotransmitter release, and also form a major component of lipoproteins and myelin, which are important for brain cell communication. Plasmalogens are also anti-inflammatory and antioxidants, and they protect against oxidative stress.
In a 2019 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Parkinsonism, seven scientists studied 157 patients aged 60-85 with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s. They took blood samples to determine their plasmalogen levels, and then administered the plasmalogen supplement or placebos. They found that the patients who received the plasmalogen supplement showed a significant improvement in cognitive function. They also had lower levels of Ab1-42, a marker of Alzheimer’s disease.
Plasmalogens can be found in seafood, such as scallops, krill, oysters and mussels. They are also produced naturally in the liver and skeletal muscle. However, they are depleted by age, inflammation and other conditions. Plasmalogen deficiency is associated with increased risk for sarcopenia, a condition that affects muscle mass and function. In addition, people with sarcopenia have a three-fold greater risk of dementia and a faster rate of cognitive decline.
Research has shown that plasmalogens can help improve mood and boost energy. In a four-week study, 40 physically active college students who received the plasmalogen supplement experienced improved mood and focus compared to those who took the placebo. They also had lower levels of anxiety and depression, as well as better sleep quality.
Plasmalogens are essential for human development, and they are critical to normal eye and lens formation. They are also required for proper cardiovascular and immune system function. Plasmalogen deficiency is linked to a variety of conditions including cleft palate, skeletal abnormalities and cardiac problems, as well as pulmonary dysfunction.